Mbappé, Vinícius Shine as Real Madrid End Slump with Crucial 2-1 Win

Real Madrid finally found a way to stop the slide, but not without a few nervy moments, as they secured a 2-1 win over Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu to end a four-game winless streak .

Coming into the match under pressure after a disappointing run and their recent Champions League exit , Real Madrid looked far from comfortable early on. Deportivo Alavés showed intent, creating a few promising chances that unsettled the home crowd, with sections of fans expressing their frustration as the team struggled to find rhythm.

The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute through Kylian Mbappé, whose effort took a deflection and beat the goalkeeper. It was a much-needed goal for the French star, who had not scored in the league since February despite leading the scoring charts.

Real Madrid gained confidence after the opener, and Vinícius Júnior doubled the lead early in the second half with a powerful long-range strike . Having endured criticism for his recent performances, the Brazilian’s response was emotional, acknowledging the fans with a gesture that drew applause from the stands.

Despite the two-goal cushion, Deportivo Alavés could not be ruled out. They pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Toni Martínez, creating a tense finish and anxious moments for the home side.

The win lifts Real Madrid to within six points of league leaders FC Barcelona , keeping their title hopes alive with six matches remaining. While the performance was not flawless, the result offered timely relief and a reminder of the team’s quality when it matters most.